Week 54 — The Return – The Weekly List

Two weeks after Democrats decidedly won the election, this week we see a shift: the first instance of Republicans pushing back against Trump during his second regime. The Epstein files started as a drip, drip, with Trump and his senior regime officials trying to intimidate four House Republicans into not signing a discharge petition. But once the horse was out of the barn, by the week’s end, the House voted 427–1 to release the files, and hours later the Senate did the same under unanimous consent.

The swing was a remarkable shift for Republicans, who up until now had blindly abdicated their role, and had been unshakably obedient to Trump. Not to do the right thing per se, but sensing the American people turning on them ahead of midterms, with a Marist poll showing voters favoring Democrats by 14 points, the highest level in eight years. Trump’s approval continued to hit new lows with several pollsters, as did his handling of major issues, including affordability, which he haplessly continued to assert this week is really not an issue. Just 20% approve of his handling of the Epstein files.

The regime continued its quiet work of dismantling federal agencies from within, and carrying out Trump’s orders. Yet another head of FEMA resigned this week, and there continues to be alarming exits and firings from the Justice Department and Fannie Mae, both at the center of Trump’s retribution campaign. In other federal agencies like DHS, agents are being reassigned to help on immigration, as Trump abandoned largely unsuccessful efforts this week in Chicago and Portland.

Notably in closing are Trump’s blatant conflicts of interest, and how easily he is escaping accountability. Lest we forget how many inspectors general he has already fired! This week Trump’s pardon of Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao came back into focus. As did his family’s significant business dealings with Saudi Arabia, as Trump hosted crown prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in an extraordinary state visit.

An AP-NORC poll found just 33% of Americans are happy with the way Trump is running the government, down from 43% in March. Among Republicans, the number dropped from 81% to 68%. His approval fell to 36%, a pollster low for the second regime, while 62% disapproved.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 38% approval, the pollster’s low for the second regime. Just 26% approved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, while on immigration his net approval was -10, and the economy net -22. Just 20% approved of Trump’s handling of the Epstein files.
On Wednesday, shortly after Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released three emails from the Jeffrey Epstein estate, Republicans released 20,000-plus pages of emails, after the White House accused Democrats of cherry-picking emails.
Trump posted on Truth Social, “The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again,” claiming, “to deflect on how badly they’ve done on the Shutdown,” and warning, “Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap.”
A WSJ analysis of the 2,324 email threads found that Trump was mentioned far more than any other person, in 1,670 of the 2,324 threads, second to former president Bill Clinton, who was mentioned in 512 emails. No president emailed directly with Epstein.
In a 2019 email, Epstein wrote to himself, “Trump knew of it. and came to my house many times during that period.” Trump has claimed that he had no idea what Epstein was up to in 2019, telling a reporter, “I had no idea.” Trump and the regime have frequently repeated that claim.
CNN reported that as the House convened, and the discharge petition needed just one more signature, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel met with Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert in the Situation Room to pressure her to withdraw her signature.
Trump also reached out to Republican Rep. Nancy Mace to pressure her to withdraw her signature. Mace said in a public statement, “I will NEVER abandon other survivors.” Trump had also called Boebert on Tuesday morning.
The House convened. Rep. Adelita Grijalva was sworn in 50 days after the special election. She said of House Speaker Mike Johnson, “This is an abuse of power. One individual should not be able to unilaterally obstruct the swearing in of a duly elected member of Congress.”
Grijalva also acknowledged the two Epstein survivors in the House gallery, saying, “Justice cannot wait another day.” Then, she immediately signed the discharge petition, the final signature needed, forcing a full vote on the House floor.
Johnson said the House would hold a vote to repeal the provision quietly inserted in the government funding bill by Senate Republicans, allowing them to sue for $500,000 for their emails being subpoenaed. GOP Senators tried to distance themselves from the provision they had added.
Late Wednesday, after the House vote, Trump signed a bill ending the 43 day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, claiming, “we will never give in to extortion,” after he had refused to meet with Democrats on their one ask of extending health care subsidies.
On Friday, Trump posted on Truth Social, again blaming Democrats for pushing the “Epstein Hoax” because “their party is in total disarray, and has no idea what to do,” and attacking “Weak Republicans” who would “vote with Democrats to release DOJ files.”
Trump also demanded that the DOJ investigate Democrats mentioned in the emails, including Clinton, Larry Summers, and Reid Hoffman, as well as institutions like J.P. Morgan Chase, adding, “This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats.”
Remarkably, less than four hours later, AG Bondi posted in response to Trump on X , “Thank you,” adding that she had chosen Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan to take the lead, saying he is “one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country.”
On Friday, four women who have accused Trump of inappropriate sexual contact signed on to a letter to Congress from Epstein survivors, demanding the release of all DOJ files, calling on Congress to “deliver a promise the American people have awaited for far too long.”
NYT reported on the fraying of the America first movement, with many prominent MAGA leaders saying Trump has been too focused on billionaires and Wall Street bigwigs, granting visas to skilled foreigners, and crises overseas, all at the expense of the American people.
They point to recent missteps like the Great Gatsby party, a $20 billion bailout for Argentina, and his frequency of travel overseas during the second regime, while neglecting to visit U.S. cities. Trump countered on Fox News, “Don’t forget, MAGA was my idea. I know what MAGA wants.”
Later Friday, Trump withdrew his support of longtime ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, adding he would support a primary challenger. Greene publicly criticized his not prioritizing the American people, and was one of the four Republicans to vote for the discharge petition.
Greene responded on X, posting that Trump was “coming after me hard to make an example to scare all the other Republicans,” adding, “It’s astonishing really how hard he’s fighting to stop the Epstein files from coming out that he actually goes to this level.”
On Saturday, Trump continued to attack Greene, posting on Truth Social that she was “Republican In Name Only,” and “Just another Fake politician, no different than Rand Paul Jr. (Thomas Massie).” Trump also called her a “traitor,” said she “betrayed” the party, and was a “disgrace.”
Trump also tried to intimidate other GOP lawmakers ahead of an expected House vote on releasing the Epstein files on Tuesday. Trump told reporters Democrats “want to waste people’s time, and some of the dumber Republicans like that.”
Trump also personally attacked GOP Rep. Thomas Massie who co-led the discharge petition drive, posting on Truth Social, “Boy, that was quick!” about his recent marriage more than a year after his spouse of more than three decades died, and called Massie a “loser.”
On Saturday, Greene posted on X that she was receiving death threats, saying she was being warned “for my safety as a hot bed of threats against me are being fueled and egged on by the most powerful man in the world,” adding, “The man I supported and helped get elected.”
On Sunday, Greene posted X on continuing threats, writing, “Now that President Trump has called me a traitor, which is absolutely untrue and horrific … this puts blood in the water and creates a feeding frenzy,” adding, “It could ultimately lead to a harmful or even deadly outcome.”
Asked later Sunday if Greene’s life could be in danger because of his rhetoric, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “Her life is in danger? Who is that? Marjorie Traitor Greene. I don’t think her life is in danger. Frankly, I don’t think anybody cares about her.”
Trump also berated a female reporter from Bloomberg News who asked him why he had not yet simply released the Epstein files, saying, “Quiet!…Quiet, piggy.”
Trump later posted on Truth Social, again calling Greene a traitor, “Wacky Marjorie “Traitor” Brown (Remember, Green turns to Brown where there is ROT involved!)” claiming she is portraying “herself as a victim when, in actuality, she is the cause of all of her own problems.”
Late Sunday, Trump did a complete reversal, posting on Truth Social that he would support the release of the Epstein files, posting, “We have nothing to hide,” and adding, “it’s time to move on from this Democrat Hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Lunatics.”
Trump insisted, “I DON’T CARE!” adding, “All I do care about is that Republicans get BACK ON POINT.” The shift came after Massie said Sunday that “100 or more” Republicans could vote to release the files, making a veto proof majority.
On Monday, the Trump regime released thousands of files on Amelia Earhart, the latest trove released on a public figure. Experts said almost all the materials were already public. Political analysts noted that Trump could similarly order the DOJ to release the Epstein files.
On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was “very disappointed” with the GOP leaders of Indiana’s state senate, who refused to convene the chamber for redistricting, calling them “two politically correct type ‘gentlemen,’” and saying they should be ousted.
AP reported hours after Trump’s social media post, Indiana state Sen. Greg Goode was the victim of a swatting, resulting in sheriff’s deputies rushing to his home.
On Sunday, Trump also defended Tucker Carlson for interviewing Nick Fuentes, an openly antisemitic white supremacist, telling reporters, “You can’t tell him who to interview.” Trump also claimed that he “didn’t know much about” Fuentes, who he hosted at Mar-a-Lago in 2022.
MS NOW reported FBI Director Patel’s girlfriend is being protected by an elite FBI security detail usually assigned to a SWAT team. Experts say it is highly unusual for girlfriends of top FBI officials to receive a security details.
NYT reported the Justice Department has been unable to find an attorney to handle Maurene Comey’s lawsuit over her firing by Trump, which was filed in September. Offices in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Civil Division have refused to take the case.
The lack of response from the DOJ caused the judge to set a deadline of November 21 for the defendant, including AG Bondi, to respond. The episode highlights the lack of DOJ staffers, and a reluctance to take on cases resulting from mistreatment of employees.
On Thursday, the DOJ joined a lawsuit filed by a Republican member of the California assembly suing to block California from enacting the congressional map that favors Democrats, after voters voted 2-to-1 in favor of it weeks prior.
Bloomberg reported that two Miami prosecutors, both Republicans, quit after U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason Reding Quiñones ordered them to sign statements under criminal penalty of perjury naming colleagues and others who they had spoken to about their assignment targeting those involved in cases against Trump.
NYT interviewed 60 DOJ attorneys who resigned or were fired, reporting on the drastic changes since Trump installed loyalist AG Bondi to lead the department. One described, “I wouldn’t even call it the Justice Department anymore. It’s become Trump’s personal law firm.”
Others described how Trump and his appointees have blasted through the walls meant to protect political influence. Attorneys were told to drop cases for political reasons. They were forced to abandon investigations of terrorist plots, corruption, and white-collar fraud.
Attorneys were also told to find evidence for flimsy investigations in order to take desired cases forward that had no legitimate basis. The regime openly flouted ethics rules, and caused a breakdown of institutional culture. Some who spoke to the NYT feared retaliation.
On Thursday, lawyers for James Comey and Letitia James argued before a federal judge that Lindsey Halligan, who Trump installed to indict them, was unlawfully appointed, both procedurally and with a public demand by Trump that she go after Comey and James.
On Friday, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte referred Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell to the DOJ for a federal criminal probe over allegations of mortgage and tax fraud related to a Washington, D.C. home. Swalwell is the fourth perceived enemy of Trump to face mortgage fraud allegations.
AP reported Lauren Smith, Fannie Mae’s head of marketing, acted on behalf of Pulte by providing confidential mortgage pricing data to a principal competitor, exposing the company of charges of collusion.
Senior Fannie Mae officials who called out the “very problematic” disclosure, along with the internal ethics watchdogs who investigated the incident, were all forced out of their jobs last month.
On Monday, a federal judge blasted the Trump regime for their case against James Comey, citing a “disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps,” their “cavalier” attitude towards the rights of Comey, and possible misconduct that could imperil the prosecution.
The judge also said Halligan appeared to have made “fundamental misstatements of the law” to the grand jury, which would “potentially undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding.” He ordered the DOJ to turn over all grand jury material to Comey’s lawyers.
On Monday, a filing by James’ attorneys asked that her case be dismissed, citing communications between senior officials at Fannie Mae in June that showed there was “certainly not clear and convincing evidence” of fraud.
Court records revealed Trump’s DOJ is in settlement talks with members of Trump’s first regime, Michael Flynn and Stefan Passantino, who claim they are victims of politically motivated actions, after Biden’s administration successfully fought the cases. Flynn seeks $50 million.
ProPublica reported FBI Director Patel granted waivers for Deputy Director Dan Bongino and two newly hired senior FBI staffers, allowing them to bypass the polygraph exams normally required for their positions, which allow access to America’s most classified information.
WAPO reported the USDA is preparing to fire Ellen Mei, a program specialist at the Food and Nutrition Service, after she said on an MSNBC interview on October 2 that the shutdown could have negative impacts on the millions of Americans who rely on the program.
NYT reported Jenna Norton, the NIH employee who helped organize “The Bethesda Declaration,” a scathing letter published in June, signed by dozens of NIH employees criticizing the Trump regime’s degradation of medical research, was placed on administrative leave.
On Wednesday, the White House said the October jobs and consumer price index reports are unlikely to be released, blaming the government shutdown and Democrats. Press Sec. Karoline Leavitt said the lack of data is “leaving our policymakers at the Fed flying blind.”
NYT reported Trump faced a backlash from Americans amid higher prices. An NBC News poll found just 30% believe Trump has lived up to his promise of tackling inflation. Trump pushed gimmicks like a $2,000 direct check for some, and a 50 year mortgage which was widely panned.
Trump also signed an executive order on Friday modifying the reciprocal tariffs he imposed in August, exempting more than 100 food items. Critics noted Trump had denied his tariffs were inflationary, yet he claimed he was solving affordability by rolling them back.
Politico reported while SNAP program funding has restarted, Agriculture Sec. Brooke Rollins directed USDA staff during the shutdown to move states to start complying with Trump’s signature tax bill, which was set to result in millions losing access to the program.
Trump’s Transportation Department said it would end the Biden-era rule that forced airlines to pay passengers up to $775 for significant flight delays or cancellations. The rule also guaranteed meals, lodging, and ground transportation.
Trump continued to baselessly claim that there was no affordability crisis, telling reporters, “We have a great economy and the prices are coming down,” and blaming Democrats. Rep. Greene said the Trump regime is “infuriating people” by “gaslighting” them on affordability.
On Friday, Trump withdrew his nomination for Donald Korb to serve as the top lawyer at the Internal Revenue Service, after far-right activist Laura Loomer argued he was too close to Democrats, and would not use the IRS to go after left-wing groups.
America’s Roman Catholic bishops issued a rare and non-unanimous statement criticizing the Trump regime’s immigration tactics, saying they “oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people” and “pray for an end to dehumanizing rhetoric and violence.”
The Trump regime’s Department of Housing and Urban Development issued plans that would mark the most consequential policy shift on homelessness in a generation, directing $3.9 billion away from housing grants. Critics say 170,000 homeless people could return to the streets.
ProPublica reported that in September ICE staged a dramatic midnight raid in Chicago, including using Black Hawk helicopters and agents rappelling from a helicopter into an apartment building with supposed Tren de Aragua gangsters. Two were found, but none were charged with a crime.
On Friday, a federal judge ordered the regime to release hundreds of migrants detained in the Chicago area, as part of “Operation Midway Blitz” by November 21, saying the regime violated a federal consent decree by making arrests without warrants.
On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security released the names of the 607 people detained by ICE as part of Operation Midway Blitz. Just 16 of the 607 detained by immigration agents had any criminal history.
On Sunday, U.S. Northern Command said in a statement that it was “shifting and/or rightsizing” National Guard troops, sending home hundreds of troops that had been deployed by Trump to Chicago and Portland, with no real rationale given.
Federal agents descended on Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday in operation “Charlotte’s Web” led by Greg Bovino, who had left Chicago. Agents arrested 130 people in the first 48 hours. Local officials said agents were “causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty.” Hundreds protested.
On Monday, a judge in Tennessee temporarily blocked the deployment of the National Guard into Memphis ordered by the state’s Republican governor, saying, “The power committed to the governor as commander in chief of the Army and militia is not unfettered.”
NYT reported DHS has diverted thousands of federal agents to focus on deporting immigrants, pulling them away from efforts including investigating sexual crimes against children, a national security probe of the black market for Iranian oil, and combating human smuggling.
Data showed DHS spent 33% fewer hours on child exploitation cases from the year prior. Agents specializing in money laundering and counterterrorism cases have also been redeployed. The Coast Guard has diverted resources to transport immigrants between detention centers.
NYT reported DHS is planning a policy change that would limit green cards for immigrants from countries subject to Trump’s travel ban. The policy would also make it difficult for those who arrived before the travel ban to stay.
On Wednesday, at the Group of Seven meeting, U.S. allies distanced themselves from Trump’s Caribbean military strikes. The French foreign minister said the strikes “violate international law.” Canada’s foreign minister said unequivocally that Canada has “no involvement.”
On Wednesday, Defense Department Sec. Pete Hegseth said the regime had struck another vessel that was allegedly smuggling drugs, the 20th known strike, killing four people, and bringing the death toll to 80. The regime provided little evidence for their claims.
NYT reported President Gustavo Petro of Colombia accused the U.S. of murdering Alejandro Carranza, a Colombian fisherman, in a military strike in September. In reaction Trump imposed sanctions on Petro and his family, and moved to slash aid to Colombia.
Colombia, which had been a close ally of the U.S., suspended intelligence sharing with the U.S. until Trump stops the strikes. The Trump regime has yet to provide evidence that Carranza’s or any vessels were carrying drugs.
NYT reported that the basis for Trump’s boat strikes is an Office of Legal Counsel memo which claims the U.S. and its allies are legally in a formal state of armed conflict with “narco-terrorist” drug cartels. Critics say the targets being hit are not legitimate military targets.
The memo also claims that congressional approval is not needed because Trump has constitutional authority, as commander in chief, to order strikes in the national interest, because the nature, scope, and duration fall short of a “war.”
Six Democratic lawmakers who served in the military or intelligence launched a video telling members of the military to refuse to obey illegal orders from the Trump regime, including troops being used against American citizens and military strikes on alleged drug vessels.
Peter Skandalakis, director of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia, a bipartisan collaboration, assigned himself to replace Fani Willis on the sprawling Georgia election interference case, citing his inability to find another prosecutor. Trump had sought a dismissal.
The Fulton County Superior Court judge dropped Counts 14, 15, and 27, conspiracy and criminal attempt to file false documents and filing false documents, two of which Trump was charged with (15 and 27), saying they lie beyond the state’s jurisdiction.
MS NOW reported Dutch officials rebuked the Trump regime and demanded answers after the regime removed panels at a veterans memorial of Black Americans who served in World War II.
On Thursday, Trump designated four left-wing networks in Europe as terrorist organizations, including the International Revolutionary Front, Armed Proletarian Justice, Revolutionary Class Self-Defense, and Antifa Ost. The move was unprecedented.
Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Agriculture searched for two dozen words and phrases related to diversity and climate in the early months of the second regime in order to identify grants for possible termination.
The Trump regime removed a congressionally mandated report on missing and murdered Native Americans from the DOJ’s website, calling it DEI content. Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Lisa Murkowski, who sit on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, asked that it be restored.
Texas A&M University System voted to limit how instructors can talk about race and gender in classrooms, saying no courses “will advocate race or gender ideology, or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity” without the campus president’s approval.
Indiana University removed a professor from teaching a class on diversity, after she used a graphic labeling the “Make America Great Again” slogan as covert white supremacy. This came after a student notified GOP Sen. Jim Banks, a Trump ally, who notified the school.
PBS reported a poll by the journal Nature found that 75% of top researchers at universities are considering leaving the U.S. amid the Trump regime’s funding cuts.
Bloomberg reported former Treasury Sec. Janet Yellen warned Trump’s actions and policies could undermine the economy, including his tariffs and funding cuts, and his attacks on the rule of law, the Federal Reserve and universities, which are the foundation of American prosperity.
Yellen also noted capitalism relies on the consistent application of the law, but under Trump there are “economic policy decisions that are being made on the basis of whim and grievance,” leading to uncertainty. She added the AI investment boom might be obscuring cracks in the economy.
Politico reported that Trump re-pardoned Dan Wilson, a Jan. 6 defendant, for a second crime charge related to illegally possessing firearms in his Kentucky home. Wilson had pleaded guilty to two felony gun offenses and was in prison.
Trump also pardoned Suzanne Kaye, who was sentenced to 18 months for threatening to shoot FBI agents, who had contacted her to seek an interview about her attendance at the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Bloomberg reported Eliyahu Weinstein, whose 24-year prison term was commuted by Trump in 2021, was sentenced to another 37 years in prison for stealing $44 million from investors after he was released.
AP reported the DOJ quietly replaced Trump’s signatures on pardons signed on Nov. 7, after online commenters noticed his signatures were identical on several pardons. Trump has challenged the validity of former president Biden’s pardons signed with an autopen.
“60 Minutes” aired a segment on Trump’s pardon of Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, adding, “We have talked to dozens of people who are involved in all aspects of this…they have informed our reporting but have declined to sit down for an interview…for fear of retribution.”
An investigation by the NYT and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists found as Trump proclaimed the U.S. as the “Crypto Capital” and mainstreamed the currency, at least $28 billion tied to illicit activity has flowed into crypto exchanges over the last two years.
Since Binance’s guilty plea, the exchange has received more than $400 million in deposits from a Cambodian operation that was flagged for criminal activity by Treasury, and $900 million in deposit accounts from a platform that North Korean hackers used to launder stolen funds.
NYT reported that after previously having a rocky relationship with Trump, Pakistan spent millions on lobbyists including Trump’s former business partners and bodyguard, Keith Schiller. This week Trump announced tariff relief for the country at a White House lunch.
NYT reported that the Trump Organization is in talks with the government of Saudi Arabia about bringing a Trump-branded property to the historic Saudi town of Diriyah, which the crown prince is turning into a luxury destination.
The Trump Organization is also planning a Trump tower in Jeddah, two projects in Riyadh, and a Trump hotel and tower in Dubai. Trump’s son-in-law and former advisor Jared Kushner got a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
On Tuesday, Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia at the Oval Office, the first time MBS had been invited in seven years, after Saudi agents killed and dismembered WAPO columnist, Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump lied, claiming that MBS knew nothing about Khashoggi’s killing, a contradiction of U.S. intelligence and Trump’s prior statements. Trump chided an ABC News reporter for trying “to embarrass our guest,” and praised MBS for doing an “incredible” job on human rights.
He added of Khashoggi, that he was “extremely controversial,” and “A lot of people didn’t like” him, adding “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen.” Trump added that ABC is a “crappy company” and said the network’s broadcasting license “should be taken away.”
Trump again attacked the reporter, saying, “It’s not the question that I mind; it’s your attitude,” adding, “You’re a terrible person and a terrible reporter.” Asked about conflicts, Trump said, “I have nothing to do with the family business. I have left…What my family does is fine.”
Trump’s treatment of MBS was more extensive and ostentatious than even the U.S.’s closest allies, including a military band, a flyover that included several F-35 fighter jets, lunch with Trump and his aides in the Cabinet Room, and a formal black-tie dinner at the White House.
Also Tuesday, the House voted 427–1 to release the Epstein files. Shortly after, the Senate passed an unanimous consent to immediately pass the Epstein bill as soon as it comes over from the House. It was unclear when Trump, who was at an event with MBS, would sign the bill.
The DC Preservation League and Cultural Heritage Partner sued Trump over his public consideration of painting the Eisenhower Executive Office Building all white, saying he could not unilaterally alter “one of the most architecturally significant and historic structures.”
On Monday, acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson resigned, after six months on the job. He told ABC News, “I agreed to be the acting administrator through hurricane season when others wouldn’t.” Richardson faced criticism for his handling of July floods in Texas.
On Tuesday, the Trump regime announced further steps to dismantle the Education Department, shifting almost all of the agency’s major responsibilities to other agencies.
Academics at elementary and high schools will be moved to Labor; child care grant for college students and foreign medical school accreditation to HHS; Fulbright programs and international education grants to State; and Indian Education Department to Interior.
On Thursday, BBC apologized to Trump for the misleadingly edited documentary on Jan. 6, and said it would not rebroadcast it, but refused to pay Trump any compensation. There was rising British opposition to BBC, which is partially publicly funded, paying to settle with Trump.
On Monday, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting agreed to restore a $36 million, multi-year contract with NPR, that had been pulled by the Trump regime, after the judge in the case said he did not find the CPB’s rationale for doing so credible ahead of a scheduled trial.
On Tuesday, a federal judge blocked Trump’s August executive order that had cancelled collective bargaining agreements with the union representing Voice of America employees. Court rulings have stalled Trump’s effort to close VoA.
On Tuesday, a federal appeals court, including two Trump appointees, ruled 3–0 rejecting his defamation lawsuit against CNN for using the term “Big Lie,” upholding a lower court ruling that the lawsuit is “meritless,” and saying, “Trump’s argument is unpersuasive.”
On Tuesday, a federal court ruled 2–1 to block the newly-drawn Texas congressional map, a blow to Trump and Texas Republicans, saying for the 2026 election the state should “proceed under the map that the Texas Legislature enacted in 2021.”
Ten Democratic election officials said in a letter to AG Bondi and DHS Sec. Kristi Noem that they were seeking information on how they would use voter data, expressing concern that the DOJ and DHS “actively misled election officials regarding the uses of voter data.”

Virginia Giuffre’s brother Sky Roberts speaks about Epstein Files Transparency Act during a news conference, today on November 18, 2025 at House Triangule/Capitol Hill in Washington DC, USA. (Lenin Nolly/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)